Hide / Show Abstract

Annual Report on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises 2008

Employment and Industrial Relations

The Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises are recommendations to international businesses on conduct in such areas as labour, the environment, consumer protection and the fight against corruption. The recommendations are made by the adhering governments and, although they are not binding, governments are committed to promoting their observance. Part I of this Annual Report provides an account of the actions the 41 adhering governments have taken over the 12 months to June 2008 to enhance the contribution of the Guidelines to the improved functioning of the global economy. Part II of this Annual Report highlights key findings of the High-Level OECD-ILO Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility.

Did you know? As of June 2008, 104,000 Web sites referred to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, compared with 25,000 five years earlier.

PDF
READ

Publication Date :: 11 Mar 2009
DOI :: 10.1787/mne-2008-en

Chapter

Corporate Responsibility Practices in the Area of Employment and Industrial Relations

PDF
READ

Authors:: OECD


Pages :: 151–193
DOI :: 10.1787/mne-2008-5-en

Hide / Show Abstract

This paper seeks to identify how companies manage labour issues in light of the principles and standards for responsible business conduct as promoted by the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, in particular its Chapter IV "Employment and Industrial Relations". The analysis covers a range of labour issues: equal opportunities, health and safety, job security and training, trade unions and other internationally recognised labour standards such as child labour, forced labour and freedom of association within owned operations and the supply chain. This paper also includes allegations by civil society stakeholders of breaches of internationally recognised core labour standards, both in the company and the supply chain, and international standards on working hours and health and safety to assess how companies are managing labour issues globally.

Also available in: French